The Theory of Loose Parts

Searching for Preschools Murfreesboro TN? Look no farther than The Learning Zone. Why? Because we know how important preschool is. It’s not just a “child care solution,” it sets the tone for kindergarten through all grades of school.

There are many sound educational theories, and we capitalize on some of the most proven theories in our unique preschool program. One such theory is “The Theory of Loose Parts” which states that “In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it.”

Applying the Theory to Preschool

In a preschool program, this would mean that you provide children with a wide assortment of “loose parts” (e.g. pieces of wood, shells, rocks, fabric, string, containers, pieces of hose, tape, cardboard, etc.). They can move the parts around, sort them, stack them up, and combine them in an infinite number of ways.

Playing in this way teaches children to explore, experiment, design, create, and construct. It also builds confidence in their own abilities, which goes a long way in developing self-esteem, character, and healthy attitudes.

Challenging Children

Simon Nicholson, who proposed the theory in 1971, was concerned that children were often given ‘finished’ materials to play with, robbing them of the learning experience that comes from creating something yourself. Today, parents should be even more concerned than Nicholson was in 1971. Children who have a steady diet of watching TV and playing games on electronic devices are not being challenged.

Remember when you bought your toddler a big, expensive present, but the box it came in turned out to be much more interesting? Pre-schoolers still feel that way. The next time your child says, “Can I play on your phone?” try allowing your preschooler to take a box of stuff and make you something fantastic with it.

Our Learning Model Focuses on Creativity, Curiosity, and Comprehension

At Learning Zone we promote that sort of creative intentional play. We encourage children to explore, ask questions, experiment and discover through their own imagination. Our learning model, the C³ method, focuses on sparking creativity and curiosity in all children in a hands-on manner to increase their comprehension and alongside the theory of loose parts it works as an environment ideal for conducive optimal learning.